NSC Business and Industry Division news

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Washington — OSHA has revised its National Emphasis Program on combustible dust. The updated NEP, which went into effect Jan. 30, reflects combustible dust incident reports and enforcement history.

Washington — Safety scofflaws may face increased citations and penalties under an OSHA policy set to go into effect in March.

Washington — The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement will govern workplace safety and environmental compliance at offshore renewable energy facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf, according to the Department of the Interior.

Washington — Although some employers may incorrectly assume otherwise, people with a hearing disability can be safe and effective workers, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says in a recently updated document.

Washington — Labor Secretary Marty Walsh has appointed four members to OSHA’s National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health.

Washington — Discharge piping in chemical plants should be separate from areas that may contain workers, the Chemical Safety Board states in a final report on a May 2018 chemical release and fire at the Kuraray America Inc. plant in Pasadena, TX.

Atlanta — An elevated risk of death linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among workers in certain industries and occupations highlights the need for better employee health policies and targeted interventions, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Washington — The maximum penalty for a “willful” or “repeat” OSHA violation has increased to $156,259 after the agency, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, and other Department of Labor agencies automatically increased civil penalty amounts to adjust for inflation.

Washington — Do you have an idea for improving fit testing of respirators? NIOSH is offering $350,000 in total prize money as part of its Respirator Fit Evaluation Challenge.

Washington — OSHA should develop guidance on the process hazard analysis element of its standard on process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals (1910.119), the Chemical Safety Board recommends in a final report on an April 2018 explosion and fire at a Wisconsin refinery.